On Mariners' to-do list: Scouting 561 minor-league free agents

The Seattle Mariners search for a new manager has been the focus of attention of fans and media over the last 10 days, but general manager Jack Zduriencik and his scouting staff have been busy elsewhere, too.

While not as sexy as pursuing C.C. Sabathia or a major trade, Zduriencik's staff has been going over the list of 561 minor-league free agents – most of them Triple-A players – that includes 22 of their own.

The goal is straightforward: improve the Mariners minor league system and, if possible, pick up players who might have a role on the big-league team at some point.

Given the teams needs at first base and the outfield at every level, there's good reason to scan the possibilities.

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